Stringer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stringer

[หˆstrษชล‹ษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fishing term

A stringer is a device used by anglers to keep fish alive after catching them, preventing them from sinking in the water. Typically, it consists of a line or wire with clips or hooks attached. This tool allows fishermen to transport their catch without damage. It aids in the sport of fishing by ensuring that fish remain fresh for consumption or release.

Synonyms

holder, keeper, line.

Examples of usage

  • The fisherman used a stringer to keep the trout alive.
  • She attached the bass to the stringer to keep it fresh until she got home.
  • Using a stringer makes it easier to manage multiple catches during the day.
Context #2 | Noun

journalism

In journalism, a stringer refers to a freelance journalist or reporter who is not permanently employed by a media outlet. They contribute news stories, often in exchange for payment per article or assignment. Stringers play a crucial role in providing coverage in specific areas or topics where the news organization may not have full-time reporters. Their flexibility allows for diverse and timely news reporting.

Synonyms

contributor, freelancer, reporter.

Examples of usage

  • The local stringer provided valuable insights into the city's events.
  • As a stringer, she often worked under tight deadlines.
  • News agencies rely on stringers to cover breaking news as it happens.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Media

  • Many stringers work independently, providing local news coverage in areas that larger organizations may overlook.
  • Stringers often cover breaking news or sports events, supplying vital information to newsrooms that need quick updates.
  • Major news outlets rely on stringers for on-the-ground reporting, especially in remote or conflict zones.

Career Insights

  • Being a stringer can be a flexible career choice, allowing for a mix of freelance and full-time opportunities.
  • It often requires strong networking skills to establish connections with editors and news agencies.
  • Stringers must possess excellent writing and communication skills, able to capture the essence of a story quickly.

Challenges

  • Stringers usually work without the same benefits and job security as full-time reporters, which can make it a precarious profession.
  • They often compete for assignments against full-time staff and other freelancers, making it a highly competitive field.
  • Stringers must be adaptable, as they can be called upon at any time to cover a variety of topics.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, stringers are often depicted as the adventurous individuals who chase stories and uncover hidden truths.
  • The excitement and unpredictability of a stringer's life is frequently romanticized in media, showcasing their integral role in storytelling.
  • Famous films about journalism, like 'All the President's Men', often reference the stringer in the broader narrative of investigative reporting.

Origin of 'stringer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term โ€˜stringerโ€™, which originally meant someone who makes strings or ties things together.
  • In journalism, it began being used in the mid-20th century to describe reporters who submit stories from various locations.
  • The term reflects the idea of connecting different narratives or events into a cohesive story.

The word 'stringer' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the word 'string,' which refers to a cord or line used for binding. It has been associated with various uses over the centuries, with a specific connotation in fishing dating back to the 18th century. In journalism, the term evolved in the early 20th century, highlighting the rise of freelancing in the media industry. The dual meanings of the term reflect both its practical application in fishing and its professional usage in news reporting, illustrating the dynamic evolution of language through different industries.